Hemmings Find of the Day – 1940 American Bantam

Published by Mike on June 15, 2013

It’ll take some time and effort to finish off this 1940 American Bantam for sale on Hemmings.com. Besides paint, it seems to need an engine rebuild, a new interior and top, and likely some parts hunting to get back into presentable shape. Sure, it could be stripped even further and turned into a drag racer, like so many other Bantams have been over the years, but a Hollywood convertible coupe probably deserves a restoration rather than a rodding. From the seller’s description:

This car has a model code of 2-V, which according to the American Austin Bantam club, is a “Bantam Hollywood and/or 2-passenger Convertible Coupe”
The body has been professionally restored, no rot or rust and ready for paint. Has original wheels (5). New front spring. Bushings are good. New grease fittings (around 30 total). New King Pins. Headlights are GM. New Battery box. New firewall pad. Gages are good. Gas tank is good. No top, but, we have all of the brackets that connect the top to the body. The engine was running on three cylinders (sticky valve) and is now disassembled for rebuild or reassemble. Front and center main bearings are out and look good.